Message from Peter Warrilow:
“I was one of a group of supporter representatives and web site hosts invited to a meeting with Alex McLeish at Bodymoor Heath earlier today ( 22 June). Also present were Paul Faulkner and Brian Doogan.. Such an opportunity is unheard of and signifies that the Club recognise that our views are important.
There were no red lines for the meeting although any discussion on possible legal matters were embargoed and there was no discussion on available transfer budgets.
The discussion was very wide ranging covering the challenges of moving across the City (Alex cited his experiences at Rangers) and convincing the Villa fans that being an ex-Birmingham City manager was not the main issue – there was general agreement on this.
He thought that we had a good squad with many promising youngsters coming through and that there was a need to bring back within the fold those players who for one reason or another were not available for selection last season.
We were agreed that our priority is to recruit a top class goalkeeper and that we must retain Stewart Downing. No issues were ducked and Alex was very open.
We did discuss his playing style and the absence of goals scored by Birmingham City and whilst there were mitigating factors re injuries it was apparent that he thought that squad standards, or absence thereof, was a major factor.
The discussions lasted circa 75 minutes and personally I left encouraged by the amount of ground he had covered within the Club in a relatively short period. He realises that results will be the governing factor and I believe that all Villa fans should give him their support. Our Club is a major part of our lives and that must come before any personal misgivings.
Come on the Villa.
Peter Warrilow
Chairman AVST”
